Manston airport: Thanet council says it cannot yet issue Compulsory Purchase Order as protesters set to march in Margate

Thanet council says it cannot yet say whether or not it would have the power to acquire Manston airport through a Compulsory Purchase Order.

It comes after protesters marched on Margate on Wednesday calling on the council to act.

In a statement, the council confirmed the deputy leader of the council, Cllr Richard Nicholson, had requested an officer report to set out the council's options.

Manston airport has closed

The report will consider if a CPO would be a viable consideration, given the extensive costs and liabilities this would involve.

Meanwhile, the Labour leader of the council Cllr Iris Johnston is to meet Manston airport owner Ann Gloag in the coming weeks, along with key representatives, to discuss the airport's future.

The council statement said: "Until cabinet has considered the officer report, and the council leader has met with the owner, the council will not be in a position to determine whether a CPO is a viable consideration or not."

It added: "The council has been clear that it supports activity that retains the existing footprint of the airport as an airport, and was disappointed that recent bids to save Manston were not successful."

Protestors with MP Sir Roger Gale, front right, on the day of Manston airport's closure

The authority also downplayed reports that the site was to be redeveloped for housing.

It said: "The council is also keen to dismiss recent inaccurate reports regarding discussions between the council and airport owners to develop housing on the existing footprint of the airport."